A PROPOSAL to introduce a travellers’ site in a village has been rejected after concerns about it being too far from amenities.

Fifteen pitches were proposed for the Marringdean Road site in Billingshurst but councillors objected to the plans at the village’s parish council meeting last week.

Concerns were raised about travellers being placed at the site because it was not close enough to important facilities.

Following the meeting, councillors said the current distribution of travellers’ sites in the area, environmental factors and public opposition contributed to the decision.

Brian Spicer, a Billingshurst parish councillor, said: “The overall position that the council felt in terms of equality was that the travellers’ argument should be made well in advance by Horsham District Council.

“This is so that social housing can be taken into account, as well as travellers’ sites.

“I live at the other end of Marringdean Road and most of the lane has no pavement.

“You can barely go along there especially if you have children in hand.

“It was felt that because of its location travellers would need a car to get to local amenities.

“The ditches on either side of the road have litter in there and it is already not well looked after at the moment.

“There is already another travellers’ site nearby which seems to be quite well kept.

“There was a lot of public activity against the proposal.

“It is about making it fair for everyone.”

The plans have been criticised due to tension that could be caused by having a new site close to an existing travellers’ site.

Alan Grant, vice-chairman of Billingshurst Parish Council, said: “We already have one travellers’ site with around 12 to 15 pitches nearby.

“This would be another one within two miles.

“It seems to be remarkably close and close sites can lead to trouble.”

A public consultation about the local plan concerning travellers in the area is currently open to residents.

The consultation form can be found on Horsham District Council’s website and will remain open until Friday, January 26.